Patricia M. Kruse
Jan 11, 1932 -
Feb 4, 2023
"Pat" Kruse passed away in Gilbert, Ariz., with her family by her side. Pat was born in Leetonia, Minn., to hard-working immigrant Croatian parents. She fully wove her Croatian culture, strong work ethic, uncanny sense of humor and deep faith into her 91 years of life.
Pat entered nursing school at age 17. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from the St. Cloud School of Nursing in Minnesota. Becoming a nurse was one of the greatest loves of Pat's career life.
She married in 1955 and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 1960 with her husband, Richard Kruse, and their children.
She worked at "old" Providence on L Street and later moved to "new" Providence where she worked during the 1964 earthquake. Ever the hopeful actress, she managed a minor nursing role in the anniversary earthquake film shown each Good Friday. She and her coworkers started the Little Providence Theater group. Skits were requested for special hospital events and retirement parties. Becoming the Assistant Administrator of Nursing Services at Providence Hospital was incredibly fulfilling and the culmination of her professional nursing days. Pat retired from Providence in 1977, and launched a successful second act in real estate.
Pat and Dick enjoyed traveling. They made multiple trips to Croatia visiting Pat's relatives and the Tomlanovich and Krmpotich homes where her parents were born. She also enjoyed her pilgrimage to Medjugorje.
Pat loved a good time especially gatherings with friends and family. An invite to her Christmas Day strawberry waffle breakfast, a lamb roast for special occasions or the chance to dance to live polka music were always exciting events.
In addition to working full time and raising her family, she was an avid volunteer. She frequently donated her time and energy to Beans Cafe, various shelters, health fairs, breast cancer survivor support groups and the Miners and Trappers Fur Rendezvous Ball. She was a member of P.E.O, Chapter J, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, Pioneers of Alaska, Anchorage Women's Club, Providence Hospital Auxiliary, St. Vincent DePaul (AZ), Legion of Mary Auxiliary (AZ) and The Martha's St. Stevens Church in Sun Lakes, Ariz.
Pat's religious faith gave her great strength and joy. She loved her grandkids, family, friends and helping her community. Pat will be remembered for fully embracing life with love, humor and humility.
She is survived by children, Kim Kruse (Mark Smedley) of Anchorage, Rick Kruse (Mary Reker) of Gilbert, and Carol O'Leary (Terry O'Leary) of Cusick, Wash.; grandchildren, McKenzie Kruse Smedley, Casey O'Leary, Hanna O'Leary, Patrick O'Leary, Haley Kruse and Nicolas Kruse; sisters, Vicki Majewski (Larry Majewski) of Goodland, Minn., and Lois Mehle of Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Kruse; brother, John Tomlan; sister, Georgene Tomlanovich; and parents, Sylvia (Tomlanovich) Latick and John Tomlanovich.
A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe in the Little Chapel, 3900 Wisconsin St., Anchorage, AK 99517, on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. A reception at the church will follow. Pat will be interred at the National Memorial Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz., beside her husband at a later date.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Brother Francis Shelter or Beans Cafe in Anchorage.
